The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both offer a diverse range of landscapes, activities, and wildlife, but they couldn’t be any more different from each other. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two parks and compare their strengths and weaknesses.
On one side, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a sprawling landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and babbling streams. It’s a place where you can hike through the lush greenery and catch glimpses of black bears and wild turkeys. On the other hand, the Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise, complete with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant coral reef system. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a relaxing vacation, both of these parks have something unique to offer.
So, let’s dive in and see what makes these two parks so special, and which one is the best fit for you.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer stunning natural landscapes for hiking and outdoor recreation. However, the two parks offer vastly different experiences when it comes to hiking trails.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and boasts over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backpacking trips. Some of the park’s most popular trails include the Alum Cave Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the Chimney Tops Trail, which provides a challenging hike up to a scenic overlook. The park also offers longer backpacking trips, such as the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the park and offers a multi-day hiking experience.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and offers a more tropical hiking experience. The park has over 20 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks along the beach to challenging hikes up steep hills. Some of the park’s most popular trails include the Reef Bay Trail, which takes hikers through lush tropical forests, and the Caneel Hill Trail, which offers panoramic views of the island and the Caribbean sea. Hikers who are looking for a longer, more strenuous hike can take the Virgin Islands National Park Trail, which offers a multi-day backpacking experience through the park.
Overall, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique and beautiful hiking experiences, but the type of hiking experience will depend on the park you choose. Whether you are looking for a challenging mountain hike or a tropical island walk, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte | 17219.938 | 916.8384 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Chimney Tops Trail | 5793.624 | 392.8872 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Rainbow Falls Trail | 8851.37 | 503.8344 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Grotto Falls Trail | 4184.284 | 162.7632 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Laurel Falls Trail | 3862.416 | 120.7008 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Abrams Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 191.7192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail | 1931.208 | 100.8888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail | 13840.324 | 603.8088 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Ramsey Cascades Trail | 13035.654 | 677.8752 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluffs Trail | 6759.228 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Virgin Islands National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. One can also observe a variety of bird species such as hawks, woodpeckers, and warblers. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant species, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands is famous for its marine life, including a variety of fish, coral, and sea turtles. Visitors can also spot a range of bird species, including pelicans, frigate birds, and iguanas. The park boasts lush tropical vegetation, including palm trees, mangroves, and cacti.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors, but one key difference is the diverse range of habitats found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from high-elevation forests to low-lying valleys, whereas Virgin Islands National Park is mostly coastal. Whether you are a birdwatcher, wildlife enthusiast, or simply enjoy exploring nature, both of these parks are worth visiting to experience their diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
---|---|
Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
Osprey | Osprey |
Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
Mallard | Mallard |
Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
American Robin | American Robin |
Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
Merlin | Merlin |
Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
Song Sparrow | European Starling |
European Starling | Northern Pintail |
Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
Bobcat | Bobcat |
Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
Raccoon | Raccoon |
Black Bear | Porcupine |
Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
Panther (Mountain Lion) | Mink |
Mink | Mule Deer |
Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
Gray Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
Snowshoe Hare | Long-Eared Myotis |
River Otter | Badger |
Masked Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
Water Shrew | North American River Otter |
Red Squirrel | Masked Shrew |
Fish
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
Brown Trout | Bluegill |
Largemouth Bass | Flathead Minnow |
Green Sunfish | Golden Shiner |
Bluegill | Carp/European Carp |
Common Carp | Northern Pike |
Longnose Dace | Burbot |
Yellow Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
Channel Catfish | Channel Catfish |
Black Crappie | Black Bullhead |
Black Bullhead | Creek Chub |
Mosquitofish | |
Creek Chub | |
Goldfish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
Wood Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch | |
American Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourning Cloak | |
Cabbage White | |
Silvery Blue | |
Common Checkered Skipper | |
Common Sulphur | |
Honey Bee | |
Variegated Fritillary | |
Buckeye | |
Commom Wood Nymph | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Reptiles
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
---|---|
Bullsnake | |
Racer | |
Rattlesnake | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beauty located in the Appalachian Mountains along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The park boasts breathtaking mountain ranges with scenic drives and numerous overlooks offering panoramic views of the park. Some of the most famous landscapes include Clingmans Dome, which is the highest point in the park and offers 360-degree views, and Cades Cove, a scenic valley with a rich history and abundant wildlife.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands, offers a tropical paradise with white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. The park is known for its diverse landscape, including coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and tropical rainforests. One of the most popular attractions is Trunk Bay, a stunning beach with turquoise waters and a 225-yard underwater trail for snorkeling. Another famous landscape is Ram Head Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding islands.
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique and stunning landscapes that are a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the majestic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains or the tropical paradise of the Caribbean, these parks provide opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking experiences.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and Virgin Islands National Park (VINP) are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the activities available at each park differ greatly.
GSMNP is well known for its scenic drives, including the Newfound Gap Road which offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Visitors can also fish in the park’s streams and rivers, go horseback riding, and take part in ranger-led programs.
VINP, on the other hand, is a tropical paradise, perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and sunbathing on the pristine beaches. There are also several historic sites to visit, including the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and the Sugar Mill Ruins.
Both parks offer a range of experiences, but GSMNP is more suited to those who enjoy scenic drives, fishing, and equestrian activities, while VINP is ideal for beachgoers, snorkelers, and those interested in exploring historic sites.
No matter which park you choose, both GSMNP and VINP offer opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape or an action-packed vacation, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most scenic and popular national parks in the United States. However, they are vastly different when it comes to seasonal weather.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina and experiences four distinct seasons. The summers are warm and humid, with occasional thunderstorms, while winters can be cold, with snow and ice. Spring and fall are mild with cool temperatures and colorful foliage. The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild, and the views are stunning.
Virgin Islands National Park is located in the Caribbean on the island of St. John and experiences a tropical climate. The weather is warm and humid year-round, with temperatures ranging from the low 80s to the low 90s. The rainy season is from September to November, and the hurricane season is from June to November. The best time to visit Virgin Islands National Park is during the winter months, when the weather is dry, and the sea is calm, making it perfect for snorkeling, hiking, and beach activities.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique and breathtaking experiences, but their seasonal weather greatly affects the best time to visit. Whether you prefer cool mountain weather or warm tropical beaches, both parks provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is a popular destination for families with children. With a range of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching, it’s easy to see why. The park also offers ranger-led programs, campfire talks, and junior ranger activities that are perfect for kids. In addition, the park’s close proximity to several cities makes it a great option for those who want to experience the outdoors but don’t want to travel too far.
On the other hand, the Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a more tropical and beach-oriented destination that’s perfect for families seeking a more laid-back vacation. With beautiful white sand beaches, snorkeling, and kayaking opportunities, there’s plenty for kids to do. The park also has several picnic areas and a visitors center with educational exhibits on the local flora and fauna. However, it’s worth noting that the Virgin Islands National Park is more remote and harder to get to, making it a better option for families who are up for a more adventurous trip.
In conclusion, both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Virgin Islands National Park are great options for families, but the best choice will depend on what kind of vacation your family is looking for. If you’re looking for a more traditional outdoor experience with plenty of activities for kids, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a tropical escape with beach and water activities, the Virgin Islands National Park may be the perfect destination.